Multifunctional safety valve device with incorporated proportional pressure regulator

ABSTRACT

Multifunctional safety valve device with proportional pressure regulator, for line feeding aeriform fluid to a user, including a body defining a fluid or gas conduit connected to a gas feed line and a gas delivering line. The conduit has first and second passages intercepted by respective first and second valving elements. The second element downstream of the first for gas pressure regulating and modulating. The valving elements operated by electromagnetic actuators and urged closed at least by a spring. The second element cooperating with a membrane subjected to gas pressure to urge the second element closed. The membrane has, subjected to gas pressure, a surface larger than that of the second element subjected to the same pressure, to maintain the second element closed. The second element presenting, downstream of the second passage, a portion with a flexible rim arranged to seal the second passage when intercepted by the second element.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a §371 National Stage Application of InternationalApplication No. PCT/IT2007/000734, filed on 22 Oct. 2007.

The present invention relates to a multifunctional safety valve devicewith incorporated proportional pressure regulator positioned in a linefeeding an aeriform fluid to a user, in accordance with the introductionto the main claim. It has long been known to use such a multifunctionaldevice with pressure regulator in feeding an aeriform fluid to a user,such as a gas to a boiler. This device (or generally regulator) usuallycomprises a body in which an internal conduit is provided for connectionto a gas intake line and to a delivery line for feeding the gas to theuser.

This conduit comprises two passages or constrictions in succession, ineach of which a valve member is positioned provided with a valvingelement arranged to restrict or intercept, i.e. completely close, thecorresponding passage on the basis of the gas required by the user. Thisvalving element is usually subjected to a spring which forces it into aposition of passage closure. The valving element is also subjected tothe action of an electromagnetic actuator which moves it relative to thepassage to enable it to open or throttle the gas flow towards the user,according to requirements. This action is achieved by suitablycontrolling the electric current to the electromagnetic actuator which,on the basis thereof, moves the valving element relative to thecorresponding passage.

More specifically, it is known for example from EP1608912 andWO2006/003684 to form this body such that it presents the two passageswithin separating walls or baffles provided in the gas conduit, saidbaffles defining a plurality of chambers connected together in pairs bysaid apertures; finally a first chamber is connected to the gas intakeline, the last chamber being connected in the gas flow direction to aline feeding the gas to the user. A first valving element is positionedin the first passage (or aperture within the baffle) to act as an ON-OFFvalve, a second valving element (of a second valve member) operating inthe second passage, its selectively controlled movement within thecorresponding passage regulating the gas flow through it. This movementis obtained by the electromagnetic actuator. WO2006/003684 describes thepresence of a membrane functionally associated with the actuator of thesecond valve member acting as a pressure regulator. This membrane issubjected, as is the valving element, to the pressure of the gas in theline entering the body of the known multifunctional device.Specifically, the surface of the membrane subjected to the gas pressureis equivalent to that of the valving element subjected to the said gassuch that the resultant of said forces is substantially zero, hence saidresultant has no effect on the balance of the forces acting on thepressure regulator.

This solution hence requires the actuator of the second valve to besuitably designed to ensure effective closure of the valving elementafter each opening, independently of the action of the gas forces actingon the membrane and on the valving element. Moreover none of theaforesaid prior patents (in which a direct actuator, i.e. withoutlevers, is used, which is of low power or energy consumption and withlow thrust force) describes a valving element capable of sealing againstthe passage or aperture on which it is located, when in the closedposition, such as to ensures effective closure of this passage when nogas flow is required through it.

Finally, the said prior patents comprise a mechanically adjustable gasbypass which bypasses the second valve member, to enable minimum gasflow to the user. This solution is costly.

The electromagnetic actuator used in currently known solutions comprisesa coil or electric winding connected to a electric signal feed circuit.The coil, contained in an armour surround, defines a chamber withinwhich a movable core or member moves, connected at its free end to thevalving element either directly or preferably via an interconnectionrod.

With particular reference to the actuator of the second valve memberacting as the pressure regulator, in known solutions there is theproblem that when the spring loses its characteristic, there is nocompensation for this during the valving element opening. The result isthat, with the passage of time, the valve member operating as thepressure regulator operates incorrectly.

Moreover, known multifunctional devices with a pressure regulator areoften of difficult and complicated assembly, especially with regard tothe second valve member operating as the effective pressure regulatorand modulator.

In addition, as the electric feed is at 230 V d.c. (rectified voltage)and 220 V a.c., present regulations require adequate insulation againstenvironmental conditions (moisture), with consequent high implementationcosts; the device has also to be earthed, with further component andassembly costs.

Furthermore, with electric feed at 230 V d.c. (rectified voltage), theabsorbed powers are high (typically 15 W), requiring the use ofconductors of very small cross-section (e.g. 0.06 mm) with consequentcorrosion problems by electrolytic effect, these not being visibleduring testing but emerging with time.

Additionally, electric feed is of ON-OFF type, generating a noiseproblem which is resolved using sometimes costly damping.

In addition to this, in the case of electric feed at 220 V a.c., thistakes place in ON-OFF manner generating both noise and high componentstress; to obviate these drawbacks, difficult high-cost solutions areused: for example the components are immersed in an oil bath andsuitably sealed. In all cases, electrical consumption remains high.

An object of the present invention is to provide multifunctional deviceswith incorporated proportional pressure regulator which represent animprovement over known types.

A particular object of the invention is to provide a multifunctionaldevice of the stated type the operation of which is constant andreliable with time.

Another object is to provide a multifunctional device of the stated typewhich is of simpler assembly than similar known types and henceproducible in a manner ensuring high reliability and qualityrepeatability in assembly.

A further object is to provide a multifunctional device of the statedtype presenting low voltage actuators powered at 24 V d.c. and separatedfrom the mains voltage, with low maximum absorbed powers (<5 W); thiseliminates corrosion by electrolytic effect and enables conductors oflarge cross-section to be used (e.g. 0.18 mm). This solution eliminatesthe requirement for insulation and earthing, the device production hencebeing simplified with consequent reduction in component and assemblycosts. The coil EV1 is powered via a ramp to maximum power followed byreduction to a maintenance voltage (<2 W); this electrical feed resultsin a reduction in component mechanical stress, noise elimination andenergy saving.

A further object is to provide a multifunctional device of the statedtype in which no bypass conduit is provided and no mechanical adjustmentof the valve member acting as pressure regulator and modulator isrequired, although able to maintain minimum and maximum electronicregulation within the passage intercepted by the valving element of thismember.

These and other objects which will be apparent to the expert of the artare attained by a multifunctional device with incorporated proportionalpressure regulator in accordance with the accompanying claims.

The present invention will be more apparent from the accompanyingdrawings, which are provided by way of non-limiting example and inwhich:

FIGS. 1A and 1B show, in two parts, a cross-section through a regulatorobtained in accordance with the invention, said cross-section beingindicated in the present text as overall defining “FIG. 1” of the patenttext;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the regulator of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a time/current electrical feed graph indicating the mannerof feeding current to the valve member operating as a pressure regulatorand modulator;

Figures from 4 to 8 show some schematic cross-sections, with certainparts omitted for greater clarity, through boilers to which a device ofthe invention is applied;

FIG. 9 shows a graph relative to the proportional characteristic betweenthe air control pressure signal (Pu air) and the pressure of the gas (Pugas) leaving the device of the invention;

FIG. 10 shows a graph relative to the proportional characteristic of thegas exit pressure and the difference Δ between the sealed chamberpressure and the fan pressure (governor zero);

FIG. 11 is a schematic section through a valve member of the state ofthe art during a malfunction stage of the boiler on which it is mounted;and

FIG. 12 is a very schematic section through the valve member of theinvention in the identical malfunction situation as the boiler of FIG.11.

With reference to said figures, these show a multifunctional safetyvalve device 1 with an incorporated proportional pressure regulator, tobe disposed in a line feeding an aeriform fluid, for example a gas suchas methane, to a user (not shown), such as a boiler or other gasappliance. The device 1 of the invention comprises a body 2 providedwith an internal conduit 3 and within which there are provided a firstand a second valve member, or simply a valve, 4 and 5 provided withvalving elements 4A, 5A respectively, to intercept correspondingpassages 6 and 7 provided within walls or separator baffles 8, 9,respectively defining various chambers 10, 11, 12 connected together.

More specifically, the first valve 4 is an ON/OFF valve enabling thedevice 1 to be opened or closed and hence closing or allowing passage ofgas (of whatever type, pure or mixed) towards the user. The second valve5, instead, is a pressure regulator and modulator valve member of thegas flow rate towards the users. The corresponding valving elements 4A,5A of said valves 4, 5 interrupt, allow or regulate gas flow dependingon requirements, in the manner described hereinafter. The passage 3 isconnected in known manner (for example by a ring nut connection) throughthe chamber 10 to a gas intake line (not shown) by a ring nut or similarcoupling (not shown); this passage is connected in known manner via thechamber 12 to a delivery line (also not shown) for feeding the aeriformfluid to the user.

The body 2 of the regulator 1 comprises a first portion 17 presentingthe aforesaid conduit 3, with said portion 17 there being associated inknown manner (for example by screws 18) a second portion 19 in whichelectromagnetic actuators 15 and 16 for the valves 4 and 5 are disposed,to operate the valving elements 4A, 5A of these latter. Between thearmour is surround 19 and the first portion 19 there are a seal element20 (positioned at the actuator 15) and a flexible membrane 21 positionedat the (second) valve member 5.

More specifically, the first and second portion 17 and 19 of the body 2comprise a plurality of members. The first portion 17 comprises a block17A within which the conduit 3 is physically formed, and a lower plate22 coupled to a substantially flat gasket 23; this lower plate and saidgasket are clamped onto the block 17A by the screws 18. The block 17Aalso comprises a seat 25 for a usual filter 26.

The valving element 4A, 5A of each valve member 4, 5 cooperates with acorresponding spring 30, 31 such as to be urged into the closed positionon the corresponding passage 6, 7 when the respective electromagneticactuator 15, 16 is de-energized. In the embodiment of the figures, thesesprings are positioned facing the second portion 19 of the body 2.However, the spring 31 could also be located between the valving element5A and the lower plate 22 which for this purpose presents a seat topartially receive said spring.

In the embodiment of the figures, the springs 30, 31 are positioned atapertures 28 and 29 which enable a movable part 32, 33 (secured to therespective valving element 4A, 5A) of a corresponding electromagneticactuator 15, 16 to pass such as to enable it to cooperate with thecorresponding valving element and move it when required to change theinterception state of the corresponding aperture 6, 7.

The membrane 21 is associated with the movable part 33 and is positionedspaced from the valving element 5A. It has a surface 21A subjected tothe pressure of the gas present in the chamber 11 (also containing thepart 33) which is greater than the surface 5K of the valving element 5Asubjected to the same pressure. This characteristic, together with theshape of the valving element 5A, enables the closed condition of thepassage 7 to be maintained with absolute reliability when the actuator16 is de-energized (or at rest).

More specifically, the valving element 5A comprises a body 35 in onepiece or, as in the embodiment of the figures, in two portions 35A and35B coupled together by stably inserting a projection 36 on the firstportion 35A into a seat 37 in the second portion 35B. The first portionis also stably coupled, for example snap-coupled, to an end 38 of themovable part 33, said first portion 35A being in one piece or, as in theembodiment of the figures, presenting a separate perimetral seal element40 projecting from it and cooperating by abutment with that edge 7A ofthe passage 7 facing the chamber 11 of the conduit 3.

The second portion 35B of the valving element 5A presents a flexible rim42, for example obtained by frusto-conical shaping of said part,widening towards that edge 7B of the passage 7 facing the chamber 12 ofthe conduit 3. As in the figure, said flexible rim 42 can projectperimetrally from the portion 35B spacing from the latter while keepinga generally conical course or shape. Said rim 42 is always urged to sealagainst the edge 7B of the passage 7 by virtue of the gas pressureacting on the membrane 21: as stated, the surface 21A of this latter isgreater than that 5K of the valving element 5A, this causing the valvingelement to be urged, by the membrane rigid with the movable part 33,towards the chamber 11 to force the rim 42 against the part 35B on theedge 7B of the passage 7 and seal this latter.

Said characteristic results in a safety condition for the valve 5 which,even if the spring 31 should lose its elastic characteristics with time,would in any event remain sealedly closed against the passage 7 becauseof the simple pressure of the gas on the membrane.

In the embodiment of the figures, the spring 31 is a conical spring thenarrow part 45 of which rests on a first collar 46 of the movable part33 defining, with a second collar 46A spaced from the first, an annularseat 47 into which a central is part 48 of the membrane 21 is inserted.The wide part 49 of the spring 31 rests on the edge 7A of the passage 7and preferably on an annular relief 50 provided on this latter.

By virtue of the particular shape of its parts, the unit formed by thevalving element 5A, the movable part 33, the membrane 21 and the spring31 can be preassembled prior to insertion into the block 17A via theaperture 29. This facilitates the mounting of this “actuator unit” intothis latter, with positive effects in terms of time and cost of assemblyof the device 1.

Pressure takeoff screws 56 are present in the upper side 55 of the block17A to allow measurement of the pressure present in the entry and exitof the passage 3. A metal plate 60 is interposed on the upper side 55 ofthe block 17A between the portions 17 and 19 of the body 2, said plate60 being fixed to the block 17A by screws 60K and presenting, at theactuators 15 and 16, holed raised collars 60A, 60B bounded bycylindrical collars 61 facing said actuators. At least in the case ofthe actuator 16 (but also present in the actuator 15 in the figures),said collar 61 rises to the outside of a tubular piece 65 presenting aflanged bent end 66 lying below the plate 60 and maintained in positionas a result of the fixing between the portions 17 and 19 of the body 2.The tubular piece 65 rises within the corresponding electromagneticactuator, and in particular in a tubular portion 68 of this lattersupporting a usual electrical winding or solenoid 69 and having opposingend flat parts or flanges 70, 71. In the case of the actuator 16, thefirst part 70 is superposed on and in contact with the plate 60 (in thecase of the actuator 15, the part 70 of the respective portion 68 isspaced therefrom and rests on the corresponding collar 61), while thesecond end part 71 is positioned above the portion 19 where it liesbelow a plate portion 74A forming part of a cover 74 for said portion19. Further screws 75 clamp the body 76 of the portion 19 onto theportion 17, said body containing the electromagnetic actuators 15 and16, the plate portion 74 being is disposed on it.

The body 76 presents a central portion 76K for receiving the electricalcontacts 69K of the windings 69 and rigid with the portions 68supporting these latter. The contacts 69K are also predefined and ableto be easily inserted into the portion 76K to hence be easily connectedto usual connectors for the electrical feed (controlled by a suitablemicroprocessor-programmable electronic card, not shown, of the controlcircuit for the said device 1). This constructional characteristic ofthe contacts 69K facilitates mounting of the part 19 of the device 1containing the electromagnetic actuators 15, 16.

A fixed tube 77 is positioned about the tubular piece 65 associated withthe actuator 16, within the portion 68 of this latter, and is interposedbetween said piece 65 and the plate portion 74 (the piece 65 and thefixed tube 77 are coaxial within the actuator 16).

Inside the piece 65 there is provided in both the actuators 15, 16 anelongated movable core or member 82, 83 of the corresponding actuator:the core 82 is integral with the part 32 secured to the valving element4A, while the core 83 is connected to the part 33, which is defined byan independent elongated piece fixed to said core in any known manner.

More specifically, the core 83 presents an end portion 89 to which thefree end 90 of the part 33 is coupled, the end portion 89 of the core 83being shaped specifically to maintain the action of the valving element5A on the passage 7 constant even if the spring 31 modifies its actionon said member or valve 5 with time. This end portion is disposed withinthe actuator 16 in a position such as to closely approach or at the mostreach the upper end 61K of the collar 61. In this manner, theelectromagnetic actuator presents a force/displacement characteristicwhich remains constant with time.

The end part 89 of the core 83 is of double cone shape, i.e. presentingtwo consecutive portions 89A, 89B with different sections, the actualend portion 89B being narrower than the portion 89A which precedes alongthe longitudinal axis of the core. This end part could however also be \of other than double cone shape, but still present at least two portionsconsecutive along the longitudinal axis of the core having differentsections (for example cylindrical), the actual end portion being ofsmaller section than the preceding portion along that axis. A mixedsolution is also possible with an end part 89 having consecutivecylindrical and conical portions or vice versa.

Because of the form of the end part 89 and the presence of the collar 61a magnetic field is created of such intensity as to always ensure thatthe core 83 is located in a prefixed position enabling desired operationof the actuator 16 for the required control of the valving element 5A.

If the pressure of the mains gas entering the valve device increases,the valving element 5A tends to close the passage 7, but notsufficiently to ensure correct exit pressure (the exit pressureincreases).

Because of the shape of the part 89 of the core 83, without making anycorrection in the feed current to the actuator 16, the effect of theforce/displacement characteristic of the core 83 is that the force ofthis latter decreases and the valving element 5A further closes thepassage 7 to ensure correct exit pressure even if the entry pressureincreases.

If the pressure of the mains gas entering the valve device decreases,the valving element 5A tends to open the passage 7, but not sufficientlyto ensure correct exit pressure (the exit pressure decreases).

Because of the shape of the portion 89 of the core 83, without makingany correction in the feed current to the actuator 16, the effect of theforce/displacement characteristic of the core 83 is that the force ofthis latter on the valving element 5A further opens the passage 7 toensure correct exit pressure even if the entry pressure decreases.

The core moves within a chamber 100 of the actuator 16 which is closedupperly by a cap 106 provided with a sized hole 107 for venting air andany gas which has passed beyond the membrane 21 (should this break) andinto the chamber 100. This hole 107 can also be connected to a knowntube 200 (see FIGS. 4-8) opening into the sealed chamber 201 of a gasappliance 300 with which the invention is associated, to compensate thepressure exerted on that side of the membrane 21 facing the chamber 100and allow optimal control of the exit pressure.

FIG. 4 shows a premix condensation boiler with pressure mixing. Itcomprises, among other components, a fan 204, as combustion chamber 205,a burner 210 located therein, an air entry conduit 206 and a flue gasdischarge conduit 207.

In the case of a boiler equipped with such a premix burner with pressuremixing (see FIG. 4), the device of the invention is controlled withalmost constant current, the gas exit pressure to the burner 210 beingcontrolled by a pneumatic signal acquired via the tube 200 connected tothe takeoff of the fan 204.

Minimal current corrections can be made to adapt the exit pressures tovarious types of gas (pertaining to the same family, e.g. from G20 toG25 as shown in FIG. 9 in which the straight lines define various typesof gas) and hence optimise combustion.

Should the flue gas discharge 207 be closed, the absolute pressureincreases and the pressure difference goes to zero.

Under these conditions, at the pre-ventilation stage, in a known valvemember shown schematically in FIG. 11, the closure force on the valvingelement 5A is reduced (see FIG. 11). This is because of the presence ofan air pressure originating from the delivery line, this pressure beingindicated by the arrow T in FIG. 11. In this latter figure, partscorresponding (from the functionality viewpoint) to those of the figuresrelative to the invention carry the same reference numerals fordescriptive simplicity.

In the device of the invention, under these conditions the closure forceon the valving element 5A increases (by the air pressure indicated bythe arrow T), to always maintain the plant safe (see FIG. 12).

In the case of boilers equipped with a premix burner with vacuum mixing(of which one example is shown in FIG. 5), the device 1 is controlledwith almost constant current, the gas exit pressure to the burner 210being controlled by the signal acquired via the tube 200 connected tothe sealed chamber of the appliance (zero governor); minimal currentcorrections can also be made to adapt the exit pressures to varioustypes of gas (pertaining to the same family, e.g. from G20 to G25 asshown in FIG. 10) and hence optimise combustion.

Other types of application of the device 1 are described schematicallyin FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 showing respectively a sealed chamber boiler withcompensation takeoff (FIG. 6), a sealed chamber boiler (FIG. 7) and anopen chamber boiler (FIG. 8). In these figures, parts corresponding tothose of the previous figures are indicated by the same referencenumerals.

Returning to FIGS. 1 and 2, these show that the cap 106 presents a siderecess 108 housing a seal element 109 acting on the tubular element 65.

A similar cap 110 provided with a seal ring 111 closes the chamberwithin which the core 82 of the actuator 15 moves, with this latterthere being associated a damping element 113 of known type.

A multifunctional safety valve device with incorporated portion formedin accordance with the present invention ensures regular and constantgas flow independently of inlet pressure variation. The regulator isformed from parts which fit together in such a manner as to facilitateassembly, making this operation rapid and of low cost. The device offershigh reliability and safety in use in that, even if the membrane 21 orspring 31 should break, the valving element 5A is thrust onto thepassage 7A both during starting and during normal operation, to closethe passage with its portion 35A. This always ensures safety of the gasappliance with which the device 1 is associated.

Moreover, the device 1 does not have a bypass conduit for the valvingelement 5A (so simplifying the construction of the block 17A), minimumgas flow being achieved by suitably controlling the actuator 16 and byvirtue of the aforedescribed shape of the portion 89 of its core 83 andof the collar 61. Specifically, with reference to FIG. 3, control takesplace by introducing into the controlling current signal (directcurrent) for the winding or solenoid 69 of this actuator 16 an upward ordownward current variation to this signal of defined amplitude “a” andof predefined duration “t1” and distanced in time by a defined period“t2”. These time values (t1, t2) and amplitude “a” depend on the type ofappliance on which the device 1 is mounted and on the regulation to beeffected with the valving element 5A.

This method of operation reduces the effects of the currently usedcontrol method of superimposing a continuous alternating current signalon the direct current control signal, these effects leading to exitpressure fluctuation and lack of stability, vibration of the core 83 andnoise generation by this vibration. These effects are overcome andnullified by the control method of the present invention.

A preferred embodiment of the invention has been described, but otherscan be deduced from the present document by the expert of the art, andare therefore to be considered as falling within the scope of thefollowing claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A multifunctional safety valve device withan incorporated proportional pressure regulator, to be used in a linefeeding an aeriform fluid to a user, said device comprising a regulatorbody in which a conduit for said fluid or gas is defined, a first valvemember, a second valve member, electromagnetic actuators, and amembrane; said conduit for being connected to a gas feed line and to aline for delivering the gas to the user, said conduit comprising a firstpassage to be intercepted by a first valving element of the first valvemember and a second passage to be intercepted or selectively restrictedby second valving element of the second valve member, positioneddownstream of the first valving element, to act as a gas pressureregulator and modulator, said valving elements being operated bycorresponding said electromagnetic actuators and urged into closedposition, in which they intercept the respective passages, at least by acorresponding spring, the second valving element cooperating with themembrane subjected to the gas pressure to urge said second valvingelement into the closed position, wherein the membrane has a surfacesubjected to the pressure of the gas moving towards said second valvemember which is greater than the surface of the second valving elementsubjected to the same gas pressure, to hence maintain the second valvingelement closed, this second valving element presenting, downstream ofthe second passage, said second valving element comprising a firstportion positioned within a first of said chambers and a second portionpositioned within a second of said chambers downstream of the firstchamber and for being connected to the line for delivering gas, thesecond portion arranged to sealedly close this second passage whenintercepted by the second valving element, wherein the passage on whichthe second valving element of the second valve member is positioneddivides the conduit of the device body into two adjacent consecutivechambers, said second portion presenting a flexible rim and the firstportion presenting the surface subjected to gas pressure also acting onthe membrane, said first portion being arranged to close onto an edge ofthe passage facing the first chamber, comprising means for compensatingthe action of the electromagnetic actuator of the second valve member onthe basis of the thrust exerted by the spring on the correspondingvalving element, said means allowing any variation in the spring thrustforce to be compensated to maintain the gas flow regulating action bythe regulator constant with time, wherein a profiled end portion of acore is present, in an actuator chamber containing said core, in aposition corresponding with a cylindrical element inserted into andfixed in said actuator chamber, said profiled end portion being close toor at most disposed in correspondence with the end of said elementpresent in said actuator chamber when the second valve member is in itsclosed position, wherein the actuator chamber within which the core ofthe electromagnetic actuator of the second valve member moves has anopen upper end which is sealedly closed by a cap with a through hole,wherein said cap is connected to an air takeoff connected to the sealedchamber of the gas appliance or to a takeoff on a fan to which saiddevice is connected.
 2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein thevalving element of said second valve member is one piece.
 3. The deviceas claimed in claim 1, wherein the valving element comprises twophysically separate portions stably coupled together.
 4. The device asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the body presents a first and a secondportion joined together, the gas conduit being provided in the firstportion, between said portions a metal plate being present comprising acylindrical element inserted into a chamber within which a core of theactuator of the second valve member moves, said cylindrical elementbeing a collar projecting upwards from said plate.
 5. The device asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the first portion of the second valvingelement is one piece.
 6. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein saidprofiled end portion comprises at least two successive portions ofdifferent transverse cross section, a lower cross section being that ofthe portion, of said at least two successive portions, at or closest toan end of the core.
 7. The device as claimed in claim 6, wherein a firstsuccessive section is constant and the second successive section variesalong a longitudinal axis of the profiled end portion of the core. 8.The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the movable core of theelectromagnetic actuator of the second valve member is coupled tosupport means for the valving element of said member, the membranesubjected to the gas pressure also being associated with said supportmeans.
 9. The device as claimed in claim 8, wherein said support meansare an element presenting a first end coupled to the valving element ofthe second valve member and carrying, in proximity to a second endassociated with the core of the electromagnetic actuator, said membrane,the corresponding spring being present between this membrane and saidvalving element, said element, the membrane, the spring and said valvingelement forming a pre-assembled unit to be inserted into the devicebody.
 10. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein each electromagneticactuator comprises an electrical winding or coil positioned about atubular portion presenting flanged end parts, said tubular portioncontaining a tubular piece, the electromagnetic actuators beingcontained within a actuator housing which can be pre-assembled with theactuators.
 11. The device as claimed in claim 10, wherein a fixed tubeis present between said tubular portion and said tubular piece, saidtube being spaced axially from said cylindrical element along saidchamber within which the core of the electromagnetic actuator of thesecond valve member moves.
 12. The device as claimed in claim 10,wherein the actuator housing containing the electromagnetic actuators isclosed by a cover of the second portion of the regulator body.
 13. Thedevice as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second portion comprises theflexible rim having an outer surface which is frusto-conical in shape.14. The device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the flexible rim havingfrusto-conical shape cooperates with the edge of the passage facing thesecond chamber.
 15. The device as claimed in claim 14, wherein said rimprojects perimetrally from the second portion of said valving elementand separates from the second portion.
 16. The device as claimed inclaim 14, wherein a cylindrical element is disposed about a tubularpiece inserted into said actuator of the second valve member and definesa chamber for the movement of a core of said electromagnetic actuator,said tubular piece presenting a flanged end lying between a metal plateand the first portion of the body of the regulator.
 17. Amultifunctional safety valve device with an incorporated proportionalpressure regulator, to be used in a line feeding an aeriform fluid to auser, said device comprising a regulator body in which a conduit forsaid fluid or gas is defined, a first valve member, a second valvemember, electromagnetic actuators, and a membrane; said conduit forbeing connected to a gas feed line and to a line for delivering the gasto the user, said conduit comprising a first passage to be interceptedby a first valving element of the first valve member and a secondpassage to be intercepted or selectively restricted by second valvingelement of the second valve member, positioned downstream of the firstvalving element, to act as a gas pressure regulator and modulator, saidvalving elements being operated by corresponding said electromagneticactuators and urged into closed position, in which they intercept therespective passages, at least by a corresponding spring, the secondvalving element cooperating with the membrane subjected to the gaspressure to urge said second valving element into the closed position,wherein the membrane has a surface subjected to the pressure of the gasmoving towards said second valve member which is greater than thesurface of the second valving element subjected to the same gaspressure, to hence maintain the second valving element closed, thissecond valving element presenting, downstream of the second passage,said second valving element comprising a first portion positioned withina first of said chambers and a second portion positioned within a secondof said chambers downstream of the first chamber and for being connectedto the line for delivering gas, the second portion arranged to sealedlyclose this second passage when intercepted by the second valvingelement; wherein the passage on which the second valving element of thesecond valve member is positioned divides the conduit of the device bodyinto two adjacent consecutive chambers, said second portion presenting aflexible rim and the first portion presenting the surface subjected togas pressure also acting on the membrane, said first portion beingarranged to close onto an edge of the passage facing the first chamber;wherein the first portion of the second valving element comprises aperimetral seal element projecting from the second valving element andcooperating by abutment with the edge of the passage facing the chamberof the conduit on which the second valving element is positioned. 18.The device as claimed in claim 17, wherein said second portion comprisesthe flexible rim having an outer surface which is frusto-conical inshape.
 19. The device as claimed in claim 17, comprising means forcompensating the action of the electromagnetic actuator of the secondvalve member on the basis of the thrust exerted by the spring on thecorresponding valving element, said means allowing any variation in thespring thrust force to be compensated to maintain the gas flowregulating action by the regulator constant with time.
 20. The device asclaimed in claim 19, wherein the means for compensating comprise aprofiled end portion of a movable core of said electromagnetic actuatorof the second valve member.
 21. The device as claimed in claim 20,wherein said profiled end portion comprises at least two successiveportions of different transverse cross section, a lower cross sectionbeing that of the portion, of said at least two successive portions, ator closest to an end of the core.
 22. The device as claimed in claim 21,wherein a first successive section is constant and the second successivesection varies along a longitudinal axis of the profiled end portion ofthe core.
 23. The device as claimed in claim 20, wherein the movablecore of the electromagnetic actuator of the second valve member iscoupled to support means for the valving element of said member, themembrane subjected to the gas pressure also being associated with saidsupport means.
 24. The device as claimed in claim 23, wherein saidsupport means are an element presenting a first end coupled to thevalving element of the second valve member and carrying, in proximity toa second end associated with the core of the electromagnetic actuator,said membrane, the corresponding spring being present between thismembrane and said valving element, said element, the membrane, thespring and said valving element forming a pre-assembled unit to beinserted into the device body.
 25. The device as claimed in claim 20,wherein said profiled end portion of the core is present, in an actuatorchamber containing said core, in a position corresponding with acylindrical element inserted into and fixed in said actuator chamber,said profiled end portion being close to or at most disposed incorrespondence with the end of said element present in said actuatorchamber when the second valve member is in its closed position.
 26. Thedevice as claimed in claim 25, wherein the actuator chamber within whichthe core of the electromagnetic actuator of the second valve membermoves has an open upper end which is sealedly closed by a cap with athrough hole.